Battery grip- is the brand name worth the price?

[let_it_be2124]

Hello!
I am looking to buy a battery grip for my rebel t1i.
I've found a couple options,
The Canon BG-E5, that sells for about $125-150.
I've also found the Opteka grip which sells at about $45-50.
Im willing to spend the extra if it will be the better product, but I would love to save some money, if the off brand would be just as good.
Any thoughts, or reviews? Much appreciated!

[jdepould]

It really depends on the specific grip. I wouldn't trade my Nikon grip for anything, but it also gives me higher frame rates.

[xxpinballxx]

On my D40 when I first started I had the opteka and it worked great. Then my d200 I got the nikon grip and really didnt see too much of a difference.
Then For my d7000 i decided to stay with nikon, not to mention i get it at cost but thatsd besides the point! LOL.
I think its a matter of brand actually. I never had a problem with my d40 grip not firing from the vertical shutter button.

[kirbinster]

I had a Nikon for my D80, a friend gave it to me for free. I just bought a Zeikos for my D700 and quite frankly I see no difference with the exception that it is about $200 cheaper than the Nikon. It also gives me fast frame rate.

[let_it_be2124]

Thanks so much for all your help! (: